In The Eyes of A Stranger [Levi Ackerman x Reader]

Chapter 7: Bittersweet Farewell

You arrived at the training grounds, the familiar sight of Levi standing alone, his eyes fixed on you, sending a flutter through your chest. This was your fifth secret training session, and you'd grown accustomed to the intensity, the push to exceed your limits.

"Today, we're focusing on ODM gear maneuvers," Levi announced, his voice low and even. "Let's see how well you adapt."

You nodded, your heart racing with anticipation.

The training was grueling, Levi demanding precision and speed. You lost yourself in the rhythm of the exercise, the thrill of mastering the gear coursing through your veins.

A particularly tricky maneuver threw you off balance. Your feet faltered, and Levi's hand shot out, grasping your arm, steadying you. Your faces drew close, inches apart, the tension between you palpable.

For a fleeting moment, it felt like the world had stopped. Levi's eyes locked onto yours, his gaze burning an unspoken intensity.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching cadets broke the spell. Levi's emotions slipped back into place, and he released your arm, stepping back.

"This will be our last session," he said, his voice low, tinged with a hint of regret. "I'm heading out on the expedition tomorrow. You'll choose your regiment after the upcoming tests."

You felt a pang of disappointment, the realization that Levi wouldn't be watching over you.

"Be careful while I'm gone," he said, his eyes narrowing, a flicker of concern visible beneath his stoic exterior. "You have potential, but don't let your guard down."

His words struck a chord within you. You sensed the unspoken emotion behind them, the weight of his responsibility as your instructor, and something more.

"I won't," you promised, your voice barely above a whisper.

Levi's gaze lingered on you before he turned to leave.

"Remember, no matter where you're assigned, you'll make a good soldier," he said over his shoulder.

You watched him disappear into the distance, the bittersweet taste of the farewell lingering. 

You pushed open the barracks door, exhausted but exhilarated from your final training session with Levi. As you entered, you were met with an unexpected welcoming committee.

Mikasa, Eren, and Armin sat in a semi-circle, their faces sporting mischievous grins.

"Welcome back, secret-keeper," Eren said, his eyes sparkling.

Mikasa's gaze narrowed. "We know what's been going on."

Armin leaned forward, curiosity radiating from his expression. "Care to explain why you've been sneaking off with Captain Levi?"

You halted your mind racing. How did they find out?

Eren chuckled. "We saw you two leaving the training grounds. Quite the cozy pair."

Mikasa's gaze softened. "We're not mad. We're just curious."

You sighed, dropping onto the nearest bunk. "Levi offered to train me privately. I guess he... saw potential in me."

Armin's eyes widened. "That's huge! Levi doesn't usually take on proteges."

Eren teased, "And he definitely doesn't usually smile at anyone."

You blushed. Mikasa nodded. "We were just concerned. Levi's... intense."

Armin added, "And his intentions are unclear."

Mikasa's gaze locked onto yours. "Just be careful, okay? We don't want you getting hurt."

You smiled, touched by their concern. "Thank you guys, I can handle myself."

Armin chuckled. "That's what worries us."

The group erupted into laughter, the tension dissipating.

As you joined in, you realized your friends had become more than just comrades — they were family.

Eren grinned mischievously. "Now, spill the details. What's Levi like in private?"

You blushed, laughing. "That's classified."

~

The sun cast a golden glow over the assembly grounds as the Scout Regiment prepared to depart. The air was thick with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

You stood alongside Eren, Mikasa and Armin, your eyes fixed on the Scouts as they gathered their gear and mounted their horses. 

"Be mindful out there," Commander Erwin urged, his voice firm but laced with concern. "As you know, the Titans are unpredictable, and our mission is far from certain."

You watched, a mix of emotions swirling inside, as Levi was among them, his eyes scanning the crowd.

Your gaze met Levi's, and for a fleeting moment, you saw a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. He nodded subtly, as if to say "be careful" or "remember."

You mouthed a silent "thank you," and Levi's expression softened, ever so slightly.

Levi's gaze snapped back, his expression softening. For an instant, the world narrowed to the two of you.

Levi's thoughts swirled in turmoil. Why did this cadet affect him so? He'd trained countless soldiers, but none had stirred this... curiosity. This desire to protect. 'I'm a captain, not a sentimental fool. I must maintain distance.' He thought to himself. Yet the memory of her gaze, her smile, lingered. He couldn't shake the feeling that she saw beyond his mask, into the depths of his soul.

With a final salute, the Scout Regiment vanished into the horizon, leaving you with a sense of longing.